🇧🇭 Bahrain
Bahrain Government Scholarships for Overseas Study
Bahraini students have two main government-backed routes to study abroad: scholarships administered by the Ministry of Education, and the prestigious Crown Prince International Scholarship Program (CPISP).
Two Main Pathways
Ministry scholarships & CPISP.
Overseas Scholarships
The Ministry of Education sponsors places at overseas institutions in fields with limited domestic provision — particularly science, technology, engineering and medicine — alongside its local university scholarships.
Crown Prince International Scholarship Program (CPISP)
Bahrain's flagship scholarship, administered by the Crown Prince Court, for the country's top-achieving secondary school graduates to study at leading universities abroad — including in Australia.
CPISP Eligibility
What top applicants typically need.
- Bahraini citizenship.
- Enrolled in Grade 11 (or equivalent) at a public or private secondary school, selected based on academic achievement.
- A very high GPA — reported figures cite around 97% across Grade 10 and the first semester of Grade 11 for competitive applicants.
- SAT and IELTS scores are factored into the competitive selection process, alongside CPISP training program results.
- Chosen university must be located outside Bahrain and the wider region.
CPISP is highly competitive, awarding up to 20 scholarships a year (occasionally more). Scholars may choose their own field of study and an accredited university that accepts them.
Scholarship benefits
CPISP covers tuition, travel and living costs, with support continuing through postgraduate and doctoral study for eligible scholars. Ministry of Education scholarships similarly cover tuition, boarding and monthly allowances, varying by scholarship type.
How to Apply
Application steps.
Build Your Academic Record
CPISP selection is based on sustained high performance from Grade 10 onward — start early.
Sit SAT & IELTS
Prepare for and sit the standardised tests used in the selection process.
Apply / Register Interest
Register through your school or directly via the CPISP or Ministry of Education, depending on the pathway.
Complete Qualification Rounds
Shortlisted candidates take part in CPISP qualification exams and training programs before final selection.
Typically required documents
- Valid Bahraini CPR (national ID) and passport
- School transcripts (Grade 10 & 11)
- SAT and IELTS score reports
- University offer letter (once obtained)
Confirm the exact current document checklist directly with CPISP or the Ministry of Education.
Considering Australia?
Australia is among CPISP's accepted study destinations. Student Map can help you research Australian universities and prepare a strong application.
FAQs
Common questions.
Reported figures cite up to 20 scholarships annually, with capacity to award more in some years.
Reported program information does not describe a mandatory return-to-work obligation for CPISP scholars — confirm current program terms directly with CPISP.
CPISP scholars can choose their desired field and an accredited university that accepts them, provided it's located outside Bahrain and the wider region.